Sweetheart is a late-ripening, self-fertile sweet cherry from the Summerland, British Columbia program, released in 1994. It is the latest-maturing of the major sweet cherries, extending the harvest well past Bing, which is valuable for spreading out picking and reaching later markets. The medium to large fruits are bright red, firm, and heart-shaped with sweet flavor and good crack resistance. Being self-fertile, it needs no pollinizer and can pollinate others. The tree is precocious and productive, often bearing heavily at a young age, which may require thinning to maintain fruit size. Sweetheart is popular with both commercial growers and home gardeners who want to extend the cherry season into late summer.
Flavor Profile
Sweet and pleasant with firm bright-red flesh; good balance for late-season fresh eating.
Visual Characteristics
Medium to large heart-shaped bright red fruit with firm flesh.
Growing Tips
Self-fertile and the latest of the major cherries; very productive, so thin heavy crops to keep fruit size up.
Where to Buy
Sourcing information coming soon. Check local nurseries and seed banks for availability.